CLEFT LIP AND PALATE (HARE LIP)

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Doctors who treat CLEFT LIP AND PALATE (HARE LIP) or similar ailments belong to following departments:
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Cosmetic, Plastic and Reconstructive surgery , E.N.T (Ear, Nose and Throat)

Also known as Hare lip

ABOUT THE DISEASE

Cleft lip and cleft palate are facial birth defects that affect the upper lip and roof of the mouth which occur very early in pregnancy. They can occur singly or can exist together.

A cleft lip is a physical split or separation of the two sides of the upper lip and appears as a narrow opening or gap in the upper lip. This separation often also includes the bones of the upper jaw and/or upper gum.

A cleft palate is a split or opening in the roof of the mouth. A cleft palate can involve the bony front portion of the roof of the mouth and/or the soft back portion of the roof of the mouth.

Cleft lip and palate can occur on one or both sides of the mouth.

SYMPTOMS

This disease might be associated with some other congenital problems and leads to some of the following problems:

• Eating / feeding problems : With a separation or opening in the palate, food and liquids can pass from the mouth back through the nose leading to failure to gain weight.
• Hearing problems : Children with cleft palate are at increased risk of ear infections since they are more prone to fluid buildup in the middle ear. If left untreated, ear infections can cause hearing loss.
• Speech difficulties : The speech might not come out clear and would be difficult to understand.
• Dental problems : more prone to a larger than average number of cavities and often have missing, extra, malformed, or displaced teeth.

DIAGNOSIS

Since this disease causes very obvious physical changes, it`s easy to diagnose. An ultrasound can sometimes diagnose the problem in an unborn child. Else it is detected during a physical examination of the baby’s mouth, nose, and palate.

CAUSES

Although no apparent reason or causes have been identified, problems with genes passed down from parents, some drugs or medications taken by the mother, viruses, or other toxins can all cause these birth defects

TREATMENT METHODS

The treatment of this disease involves a series of surgeries:

One or two surgeries to fix the cleft lip, depending on the extent of the repair needed. The initial surgery is usually performed only after the baby is at least 3-6 months old.

A cleft palate is usually closed within the first year so that the child`s speech develops normally. If large, more surgeries are planned in coming years. A prosthetic device might be used temporarily to close the palate so the baby can feed and grow until surgery can be done.

Continued follow-up may be needed with speech therapists and orthodontists.